In My Backyard

Margriet Ruurs is the author of many books for children, including Wild Babies and A Mountain Alphabet. She has a Masters Degree in Education and has spent her adult life both writing books for children and teaching children about books. She has spent a great deal of time hiking and camping in the mountains and traveling. Margriet Ruurs has lived across North America and now makes her home in Oregon.

Ron Broda is a renowned children’s book illustrator and paper sculptor. With over fifteen years in advertising, art directing, and commercial illustration, Ron combines techniques in paper sculpture and watercolor to create vivid illustrations with great detail and realism. He has created unique ad campaigns and art pieces for clients like Coca Cola, Chrysler, and Xerox. He has been named one of the “top 5 Canadian Illustrators.” His award-winning children’s books are sold worldwide. Ron Broda lives in Sarnia with his wife Joanne and their children. When not in his studio, Ron makes time to tour various libraries and schools.